Tampa Bay will soon become a bit more fabulous. 2014 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF).
http://theminaretonline.com/wp-content/uploads/John-Waters.jpgOrganizers promise that this milestone will be “extra special” with prominent guests, such as John Waters (director of Hairspray and Pink Flamingos) and David Au (director of closing night’s Eat with Me), to add flavor to the events. Films have been selected to highlight politics, arts and societal changes currently affecting the international LGBTQ community.
TIGLFF opens on Oct. 3 and closes on Oct. 11. The majority of screenings will be held at the Tampa Theatre, a highly respected venue located in the heart of downtown Tampa. St. Pete’s freeFall Theatre and Museum of Fine Arts will also host a few select screenings.
TIGLFF began in 1989 as a three-day festival associated with Tampa’s gay pride celebrations. In 1999, the festival became its own entity under the direction of Friends of the Festival Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the continued success of TIGLFF. The festival has been growing ever since.
This year’s lineup includes plenty of domestic and several local films while also paying homage to both the international orientation of the festival and to a variety of LGBT issues. Countries represented range from Australia to Finland, Brazil to Russia,Venezuela to Morocco and many places in between. Taken as a whole, the festival paints a vivid portrait of the struggles and triumphs faced by LGBT communities across the globe.
To get an idea of what’s offered this year, some highlights include:
Kumu Hina, Hawaii, Oct. 4 at 12:20 p.m. Kumu Hina chronicles the adult life of Hina Wong-Kalu, who is a Hawaiian native, teacher, and mahu, or “person in the middle.” Kumu Hina is a documentary but unfolds like a drama, detailing a Hawaiian mentality and culture rarely filmed and presented to non-Hawaiian audiences.
Of Girls and Horses, Germany, Oct. 5 at 6:45 p.m. Troubled youth meets upper class privilege on a horse ranch in northern Germany. Alex, a 16-year-old misfit and drop-out, is sent to a remote horse ranch to have a chance to get her life back together. While there she meets Kathy, who is on vacation with her own horse. The girls’ summer friendship develops into a romance, portrayed sweetly and realistically. Of Girls and Horses underlines the coming-of-age experience in a scenic rural setting.
My Straight Son (Azul Y No Tan Rosa), Venezuela, Oct. 7 at 9:15 p.m. This film diverges from the typical Venezuelan film themes of poverty and crime to explore the father-son relationship. Armando,who is straight, visits his father, Diego, while Diego’s same-sex partner is in a coma after a being attacked because of his sexual orientation. In the context of a homophobic society, Diego and Armando must adapt to each other’s lifestyle and come to terms with the painful consequences of discrimination.
52 Tuesdays, Australia, Oct. 9 at
7:30 p.m. 52 Tuesdays was filmed every Tuesday, only once a week for a year. The film features non-professional actors portraying the story of a teenage girl coming to grips with her mother and their relationship after her mother announces plans for a gender transition. This film has already won multiple international awards, including the Best Directing Award in World Cinema Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival, for its raw authenticity and unique filming style.
Appropriate Behavior, USA, Oct. 10 at 6:50 p.m. Shirin is a bisexual young woman with Iranian heritage living in New York. Appropriate Behavior recounts Shirin’s
story as she breaks up with her girlfriend, comes out to her immigrant parents, and seeks her slice of “hipster heaven.” This film is semi-autobiographical and charmingly scripted.
20 Lies, 4 Parents, and A Little Egg, Netherlands, Oct. 11 at 12:05 p.m. Dylan, a rebellious teenager with two moms, goes to live with his biological father after fighting with his mothers. His father is married to a businessman, who is upset with both Dylan’s existence and his disruptive behavior. As Dylan navigates the reality of his four parents and confusing conception, the film gives a fresh perspective on modern parenting.
Interested persons can buy tickets in advance or the day of the show at the Tampa Theater and freeFall box offices. Tickets and prices are also available at tiglff.com.
Kelly Fitzgerald can be reached at Kelly. fitzgerald@spartans.ut.edu.